Hide/Show Archive Navigation.

All News

November 05, 2024

Airborne-NextGen 11.05.24: China v Skydio, SpaceX 100th, World Drone Champs

Also: ERAU Hurricane Drone Program, lightWave Edge 130 Blue, Manta Aircraft, ARTCC Meteorologists

Prominent American drone manufacturer Skydio was recently hit with sanctions from the Chinese government, forcing it to limit battery distribution. These constraints follow Skydio’s deal to sell drones to the Taiwanese National Fire Agency. The sanctions prevent Chinese companies from working with or supplying components to Skydio. The American drone maker only sources a few parts through China, so it is still able to manufacture and distribute its product. SpaceX completed its 100th launch of 2024 last month, delivering the Starlink 10-10 mission’s cargo of 23 Starlink satellites into orbit after launching from Cape Canavera

More Videos

Keewatin Air Pilots Secure First-Ever Contract

Two-Year Deal Includes Improvements In Scheduling And Working Conditions

Pilots flying for Keewatin Air, a subsidiary of the Exchange Income Corporation announced that they have secured a two-year contract with management. The pilots are represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA) and this is the first-ever collective bargaining agreement between pilots and the airline.

Further Damages Safety Reputation of the Controversial Machine

The Japanese military has grounded its fleet of V-22 Osprey vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft after a takeoff mishap. The aircraft involved was participating in a joint exercise with the US, titled Keen Sword, and carrying 16 service members. No injuries were reported, though the aircraft sustained minor damage.

Reservations Still Being Accepted For Future Editions

Los Angeles, California-based Skyryse announced that reservations for its Skyryse One First Edition helicopters have sold out in just six months. Early adopters received an exclusive introductory base price of $1.8 million but reservations are still being accepted with current pricing based on placement on the reservation list. Enthusiasm is high and interested parties are encouraged to act as quickly as possible to get on the reservation list.

Agency Shares DPE Utilization and Authorization Growth Effort

This year’s Flight School Association of North America (FSANA) Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) Symposium began with a presentation from FAA senior leadership. It discussed the agency’s work to increase the DPE pool and how it has paid off so far. The presentation was led by Trey McClure, the FAA's Acting Manager of the General Aviation and Commercial division, and Everett Rochon, the agency’s Manager of Airmen Training and Certification.

FAA Issues Directive Following Reports of In-Flight Shutdowns

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a new airworthiness directive (AD) affecting Lycoming engine models with specific connecting rod assemblies. This was prompted by a series of reports of con rod failures that caused uncontained engine breakdowns and in-flight shutdowns (IFSDs). According to the FAA, around 16,000 engines on US aircraft fall under the directive.

FAA Makes Big Changes for Future and Current CFIs

Regulations Modify Currency, Qualification, and Training Processes

On December 1, 2024, the FAA will be finalizing major changes for current and future certified flight instructors (CFIs). While many modifications are included in this, the most major is the elimination of certificate expiration dates. The FAA claims that these regulatory changes will allow more efficient licensing and keep CFIs engaged in flight training.

SkyAlyne And KF Aerospace Partner In Historic Purchase

Airbus Helicopters announced it has a contract with joint venture partners SkyAlyne and KF Aerospace for an order of 19 Airbus H135 helicopters intended to train the next generation of Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) pilots. The contract is an element of the Canadian Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) Program and is the first time that Airbus helicopters will be flown by the Canadian Armed Forces.

New Lithium-Ion Batteries Reduce Weight, Maintenance, and Costs

As a part of the 2024 National Business Aviation Association’s Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE), True Blue Power showcased its 5th generation battery lineup. This uses lithium-ion technology to increase power available while maintaining size and decreasing weight. True Blue’s 5th generation of batteries aim to ensure that customers “start lighter, start faster, and start smarter.” They are more compact than standard options, saving up to 85 lbs per battery, and permit smoother engine starts in all weather conditions. The built-in Battery Manage

During The Turn From The Base Leg To The Final Leg Of The Approach, The Airplane Snapped Over And Entered An Aerodynamic Spin

On October 15, 2024, at 1514 central daylight time, a Rans S12S, N912RS, was involved in an accident near Church Point, Louisiana. The airline transport pilot sustained fatal injuries. The airplane was destroyed. The airplane was operated under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations as a Part 91 maintenance test flight. The airplane had not flown for about three years before it was purchased by the current owner whose intent was to learn how to fly using the accident airplane.

Aero Linx: Guardian Angel Guardian Angel may be visualized as the ground element of the USAF Rescue triad, and commonly functions in conjunction with USAF HH-60 helicopters and HC-130 aircraft. When tasked separate from the triad, Guardian Angel may work autonomously or be integrated with joint or coalition forces, including: Special Operations Forces, vertical lift, airdrop, command and control, resupply, close air support, and ground mobility assets.

Circle-To-Land Maneuver

A maneuver initiated by the pilot to align the aircraft with a runway for landing when a straight-in landing from an instrument approach is not possible or is not desirable. At tower controlled airports, this maneuver is made only after ATC authorization has been obtained and the pilot has established required visual reference to the airport.

Aero-News: Quote of the Day (11.05.24)

"We are thrilled to see such remarkable interest in the Skyryse One First Edition. Our goal is to open up access to aviation by making it safer and simpler to pilot any aircraft. The market response that we've received for Skyryse One demonstrates the demand for this technology and we will continue to keep the reservation program open for those who want to join the Skyryse family." Source: Jerry Meyer, Chief Marketing Officer at Skyryse, celebrating the milestone of having reservations for its Skyryse One First Edition helicopters sold out in just six months.